And Rodgers says Henderson's development during the 2014-15 season convinced him to hand him the captaincy for the new campaign, added that he believes he can become a "great ambassador" for Liverpool.

"I wanted to look at someone who would be a great ambassador on and off the field because it's not just about captaining Liverpool, you have a huge responsibility for the players and the supporters on a worldwide basis.

"So it was going to take somebody who is going to be strong-willed and has a strong mentality, but is also a wonderful role model. Obviously Jordan was one of the players that I thought about, but once I saw him grow and develop as the vice-captain then I felt pretty sure that this would be the season he could be the captain.

"He has taken to the role very well. He's had a perfect role model in Stevie, he's been on the shoulder of Stevie for a year to see how it all works and he'll have picked up a lot from him.

"Like I said to him when I told him he would eventually be the captain – 'have your own ideas, have your own ways of doing it and do it your way'. He's an outstanding player and I think you'll see him really blossom with that captaincy."